COLUMBUS, Ohio — Two of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's elephants will be leaving to go to another location. 

The zoo said Connie, who has been at the zoo for 30 years, will be relocated with her companion, Hank, to another zoo after a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The decision was made to continue contributing to efforts to help keep elephants in North American zoos genetically diverse through the Asian Elephant Species Survival Plan, the zoo said.

The recommendation was initially made for Hank, but since Connie has bonded to him, the zoo felt it was necessary that they move together. 

“Connie has been with us longer than any other elephant currently in our care, and we will miss her dearly,” said Adam Felts, senior curator of Animal Care and Director of Animal Wellbeing in a press release. “We know, however, that this move is in the best interest of Connie and Hank, and we’re celebrating them both so our care team, volunteers, and all who love them can join us and be a part of this occasion.”

Connie came to the Columbus Zoo from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in 1992. Hank, who was born at Bush Gardens in Tampa in 1988, arrived at the Columbus Zoo in 2011. 

“This move plays an important role in Asian elephant conservation efforts, but it is also important that Connie and Hank stay together due to their deep bond,” Felts said. “While it will be difficult for us and our Zoo community who has grown to love them over the years to say goodbye, for Connie and Hank, what matters most is the dynamics between these two elephants.”  

More moves will happen in the zoo system. The Columbus Zoo expects to soon welcome breeding bulls based on another recommendation. Additionally, the Columbus Zoo's male elephant Sabu will return to the Cincinanti Zoo & Botanical Garden. Sabu came to the Columbus Zoo in 2022 on a temporary basis as the Cincinnati Zoo constructed its Elephant Trek habitat.